Chapter Twenty-One: Fear or Understanding

Unlike Qi Xi, who only felt embarrassed, the others—Li Feidao, Nan Housheng, Xiao Fengyu, and the rest—actually thought there was nothing wrong with those words. On the contrary, they found Watermelon somewhat cool, a little mysterious, with that kind of inexplicable but impressive aura.

Qi Xi could hardly bear to look, clicking his tongue and snapping, “Enough nonsense. Quiet down and let me finish.”

“You’re all curious why this Watermelon is certain to succeed in becoming an Evolver, aren’t you?” Qi Xi calmly began, but before he could finish, Watermelon cut him off, disgruntled.

“You can call me by a nickname, I don’t mind, but do you have to say ‘this’? That’s obviously an insult, isn’t it? You’re doing it on purpose, aren’t you? Aren’t you? Hey, senior, that’s not right. Don’t think you can bully me just because I’m honest. Even rookies have rights, you know! Don’t be so shameless. Sure, most people don’t care anymore, but as a senior, you should at least have some professional decency!”

Watermelon rattled off all this in one breath, nearly out of air by the end.

‘Not a good time for that comeback,’ Qi Xi thought, shaking his head. This wasn’t the moment to lighten the atmosphere. That should come after his serious speech, once everyone was tense to the breaking point. This should have been ignored and let go—a naive rookie indeed.

“Alright, alright. How long are you going to keep at this? If you’re so eager to talk, why don’t you go ahead?” Qi Xi rolled his eyes.

Everyone expected that this silly, honest, entertaining fellow, Western Dust, would be silenced by Qi Xi’s retort. But if that was what you thought, you were sorely mistaken.

Who was Watermelon? He was a transmigrator, after all.

How could a transmigrator be cowed by a mere remark? The chance to shine had arrived, and he seized it. Without a change in expression, he said, “Heh! Since that’s the case, let me say a few words.”

He really did speak!

The crowd was stunned—no one had expected this twist. This wasn’t the script anyone had in mind; what a wild turn!

Western Dust cleared his throat, facing the attentive eyes, and spoke calmly, “Quiet, all of you. Focus. What I’m about to say is very important. If you miss it, I won’t repeat myself. If you die because of it, don’t blame me.”

The gravity of those words made everyone tense. What could he say that concerned life and death? So serious—it was enough to make one’s heart race with fear.

Western Dust continued, “Here it is, then.”

“The evolution of genes isn’t as simple as you think. Take a shot, get lucky, and boom, it’s over, you level up, max out—just like that? What a joke. If it were that easy, the world would be full of gene-modified people, not zombies. Gene evolution, or rather, the virus that drives it—the process is brutal. If the body can’t handle it, the virus doesn’t stop or retreat; it multiplies until your genetic chain collapses, and you become a zombie. The evolution process is subtly similar—you use a small, bearable amount of the virus to evolve, but your body must endure tremendous pain.”

“Simply put, you’ll battle the virus within. If you win, you survive and become an Evolver. If you lose, well, sorry, the only outcome is death and transformation into a zombie.”

“But ladies, and you over there, the big guy, you don’t need to worry. This process has little to do with physical fitness. The virus doesn’t care about muscle or fat—both can be infected just the same. Your concern should be mastering your fear, gathering your spirit, your will, your consciousness, and fighting the virus with everything you have. See who survives.”

With that, Watermelon nodded. “That about sums it up. Any questions?”

Li Feidao asked urgently, “If gene evolution is linked to willpower, then as long as someone endures the virus, if they’re bitten by a zombie, they won’t turn into one, right? They’ll become a gene-modified human, or a zombie with consciousness?”

“I don’t think you quite understand,” Watermelon shook his head. “The reason Evolution Water requires a strong will is that it’s within the body’s capacity to endure. That’s why willpower matters. But if a zombie claws you, there’s no question of enduring—you simply won’t survive.”

“I see.”

“Alright. Let’s get started,” Qi Xi said, stubbing out his cigarette and clapping his hands.

One by one, the group received injections. Watching those lying on the beds, Qi Xi instructed, “Don’t fear the virus. Don’t shrink back. Learn about it, understand it, communicate with it. You’ll find that even these viruses will bow to your will, constantly remodeling your genes and your body. You’ll become stronger. Only then will you truly be alive.”

“Hesitation brings death; only moving forward gives hope for survival. Try to see your future clearly… Remember my words, repeat them, etch them in your mind. The battle is yours now.”

Qi Xi didn’t know if his words would help them survive, but he did what he could, without really needing a reason.

The first to awaken was Watermelon. With memories of his past life, he harbored no fear of the virus. That came as no surprise.

The second was Li Feidao. With his steely character, it was expected he’d be next.

The remaining three watched the beds anxiously. Time passed—minute after minute, until an hour and a half had gone by, and the others still hadn’t awakened.

Were they dead? Had they become zombies?

Qi Xi and the other two felt a heavy weight in their hearts, watching the four on the beds writhe and moan in agony, their eyes filled with worry.

A faint groan broke the silence.

A sign of hope? Qi Xi’s eyebrows rose as he stood. Someone was waking.

It was Xiao Fengyu.

This surprised Qi Xi. He’d expected the first among these four to awaken would be Qiu Xiaoyan, the taxi driver. Who would have thought Xiao Fengyu would be the first?

Clenching her fists, Xiao Fengyu marveled at her newfound strength and energy—a feeling of rebirth, almost unbelievable. She nearly cheered aloud but, catching Qi Xi’s gesture, covered her mouth and fell silent, though excitement still shone in her eyes.

A few more minutes passed. Qiu Xiaoyan awoke.

Touching her abdomen, the lingering pain gone, she was overwhelmed with joy, tears streaming down her face. “This is… a new life.”

“What happened?” Qi Xi asked softly.

Wiping her tears, Qiu Xiaoyan replied, “I had a bad illness. I never thought becoming an Evolver would cure me. It’s unbelievable. Unbelievable. I’m so happy…”

Seeing her lose composure, Qi Xi understood—the illness must have been truly grave. He shook his head but said nothing more.